Module for use in constructing a pathway for traffic

ABSTRACT

A module for use in constructing a pathway for traffic comprises a base member and a top plate is securable to the base member and having a plurality of horizontally spaced upwardly projecting button structures, including solid button structures and fastener-receiving button structures. The solid button structures are each integrally formed with the top plate. The fastener-receiving button structures each comprise an upwardly projecting peripheral portion and a depressed central portion. The fastener-receiving apertures are disposed one within each of the depressed central portion and are each surrounded by the upwardly projecting peripheral portion. A cap member is securable within the depressed central portion of each fastener-receiving button structure. To form a pathway for traffic, the modules are placed in perimeter-edge to perimeter-edge relation, and each top plate is secured to the base member by fasteners extending through the fastener-receiving apertures and securely engaged in the base member.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional application claiming priority fromU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/086,707 filed on Dec. 2,2014, which is herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to modules for use in constructingpathways such as pedestrian walkways and driveways for vehicles, andmore particularly to modules for use in constructing such pathwayswherein the modules can be heated and can include detectable warningindicators at the top surface thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In areas where there is pedestrian and vehicular traffic, particularlyin publically accessible areas, it is universally common to havespecific pathways, such as walkways for pedestrians and driveways forvehicles.

Such walkways might include sidewalks, pedestrian bridges, pavedwalkways through parks, patios, floor surfaces, and the like. Further,such pedestrian walkways exist in public transit facilities, such assubway stations, light rapid transit, bus rapid transit, railwaystations, and the like, where there is very significant amount ofpedestrian traffic. In many types of pedestrian walkways, there is arequirement for pedestrians to be able to safely navigate such walkwaysand to remain on the walkways, especially where public transit vehiclesare passing closely by. This is particularly important for mass transitplatforms in public transit facilities, where there is presently themost significant need for safe pedestrian walkways, such as mass transitplatforms and the like.

More specifically, there is a need for pedestrians to be able tomaintain good traction on pedestrian walkways in order to prevent slipsand falls, particularly on outdoor surfaces that can be subject toinclement weather such as wind, rain and snow, and on outdoor surfacesthat retain snow and ice.

Additionally, in some places such as public transit facilities,driveways and the like for vehicles, particularly service vehicles,there is a need to be able to maintain good traction for vehicles duringinclement weather and on outdoor surfaces that retain snow and ice.

Additionally, it is important for pedestrians to be able to determinethe nearby presence of platform edges so that the pedestrians do notaccidentally walk off the edge of a platform, where a vehicle, such as apublic transit vehicle, or even a private vehicle, might be passing by.This is especially important in mass transit situations, andparticularly for commuter trains, where the side of the train is rightat the edge of the platform. The need for making the nearby presence ofplatform edges easy to determine, especially by blind or visuallyimpaired persons, is of course is of particularly acute importance inattempting to make such facilities accessible and safe for blind orvisually impaired persons.

Various types of transit boarding platform panels exist that includedetectable warning tiles at the top thereof in order to permit persons,especially blind or visually impaired persons, to detect the nearbypresence of platform edges. One such state-of-the art transit boardingplatform panels is taught in the present inventor's earlier U.S. Pat.No. 7,690,862, issued Apr. 6, 2010 to Szekely, and entitled QuickConnect Transit Boarding Platform Panel. The transit boarding platformpanel is for use along an edge of a transit platform adjacent a track.The panel comprises a molded base portion formed from a reinforcedcomposite polymer. The base portion has a top deck and bottom plate, afirst side and an opposite second side, a first end and an oppositesecond end. The first side is intended to be adjacent a track at an edgeof the transit boarding platform. The second side is intended to beadjacent the transit platform. A series of internal support members aredisposed between the top deck and bottom plate. In one embodiment, thetop deck has a detectable warning surface consisting of raised truncateddomes detectable by the visually impaired in accordance with Americanswith Disabilities Act (ADA): Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings andFacilities. The first and second ends are provided with means tointerconnect adjacent panels and to secure the panels to the platform.In a preferred embodiment the means to interconnect adjacent panels andto secure the panels to the platform includes a groove provided on thefirst end of each panel and a tongue provided on the second end of eachpanel. The groove is sized and shaped to accept a corresponding sizedand shaped tongue provided on the second end of an adjacent panel. Thetongue is hollow and has a bolt hole at either end. A threaded securingrod is inserted through a hole in the timber headers that form theretaining wall for the platform, and then is inserted through the tonguevia the bolt holes.

An earlier patent issued to the present inventor is U.S. Pat. No.5,303,669, issued Apr. 19, 1994 to Szekely, and entitled Tiles ForPedestrian Platforms And Walkways. The substantially flat tile installsdirectly onto a receiving surface such as a platform and has a pluralityof buttons or longitudinal strips projecting upwardly therefrom toprovide a distinctively textured upper surface. The upward projectionsare of a lower height adjacent each exposed edge than elsewhere on thetile. An integral flange, vertical or angled away from the vertical,projects downwardly from each exposed edge. The edges of the tile whichare exposed to pedestrian traffic may have a downwardly angled portionsuch that the height of the upper surface of the tile at the exposededge is substantially at the height of the lower surface of the rest ofthe tile, so that the edge may be installed flush with the platform orwalkway if the surface of the platform or walkway is bevelled beneaththe angled portion. The button surfaces and the surface of the tilebetween the buttons are provided with a plurality of small upwardprojections to texture the surfaces. In one embodiment, a cap in used inconjunction with the buttons to cover a threaded fastener. Thesubstantially flat tile does not have a base member.

This transit boarding platform panel is installed by 1) Setting asub-base of engineered granular fill (crushed stone); 2) Laying outtimber retaining wall and stake in platform, 3) Filling in retainingwall area with compacted granular fill; and 4) Installing structuralplastic transit platform.

While it has been found that this transit boarding platform panel worksvery well, it has also been found that there is a need for modules, suchas modular panels, modular tiles, and the like, for constructingpathways, such as pedestrian walkways and vehicular driveways, includingmass transit platforms, wherein the top surface is readily removable andreplaceable. It has also been found that there is a need for modules,such as modular panels, modular tiles, and the like, for constructingpathways, such as pedestrian walkways and vehicular driveways, includingmass transit platforms, wherein the top surface is readily removable andreplaceable and wherein a heater situated therebetween is removable andreplaceable. It has further been found that there is a need for modules,such as modular panels, modular tiles, and the like, and heatablemodules, such as modular panels, modular tiles, and the like, forconstructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkways and vehiculardriveways, including mass transit platforms, that are easy to installand cost effective to install. It has further been found that there is aneed for heatable modules, such as modular panels, modular tiles, andthe like, for constructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkways andvehicular driveways, including mass transit platforms, that are costeffective to heat.

It has further been found that there is a need for modules, such asmodular panels, modular tiles, and the like, and heatable modules, suchas modular panels, modular tiles, and the like, for constructingpathways, such as pedestrian walkways and vehicular driveways, includingmass transit platforms, wherein the modules and/or heatable modulespanels are more readily manufactured and more cost effectivelymanufactured than prior art heatable modular panels and modular panelsand tiles.

It has further been found that there is a need for modules, such asmodular panels, modular tiles, and the like, and heatable modules, suchas modular panels, modular tiles, and the like, for constructingpathways, such as pedestrian walkways and vehicular driveways, includingmass transit platforms, that are water resistant, especially whereheated modular panels are used.

United States Published Patent Application No. 2014/0286702, publishedSep. 25, 2014 to Szekely and entitled Detectable Warnings, discloses adetectable warning tile that solves the problems of buckling andcracking associated with different thermal expansion properties of thetile and the substrate in which it is installed. The upper surface ofsuch a tile includes detectable warnings, in this case truncated domesas specified by Americans with Disabilities Act AccessibilityGuidelines. The tile is designed to warn the visually impaired that theyare approaching a hazard, and so can be installed, for example, at theedge of train platform or at a curb ramp where a pedestrian walkway,such as a transit platform, meets a road.

The tiles are designed to be installed in wet concrete. A platform isassembled by attaching anchors to the tile using threaded fastenersextending through holes in the tiles. Once the anchors are attached tothe tile, the entire unit may be pressed into wet concrete. The anchorsare formed with a bottom portion that is wider that at least some otherportion of the anchor.

It has been found that if the tile has downward projections, such asflanges or ribs on the underside, air may get trapped between the wetconcrete and the tile. In one aspect, the horizontal and verticalsurfaces of the holes in the tile include channels that allow air toflow from below the tile to above the tile, even when a threadedfastener is seated in the countersink. When the threaded fastener istightened down, it seats against the horizontal surface of thecountersink, leaving channels underneath the screw that continue to theunderside of the tile, thus achieving the required venting.Alternatively, venting can be accomplished in a similar manner by usinga threaded fastener with protruding ribs on the underside of the head.

It is readily apparent that this type of tile is not suitable for use toconstruct heated platforms and the like, as water would readily be ableto enter the area below the top portion of the tile, where a heatingelement might be.

It is an object of the present invention to provide modules, such asmodular panels and modular tiles, and the like, for use in constructingpathways, such as pedestrian walkways and vehicular driveways.

It is an object of the present invention to provide modules, such asmodular panels and modular tiles, and the like, for use in constructingpathways, such as pedestrian walkways, particularly a transit platformor the like.

It is another object of the present invention to provide modules, suchas modular panels and modular tiles, and the like, for use inconstructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkways and vehiculardriveways, wherein the modules readily fit properly in place adjacent awood header of an adjoining platform subgrade that accommodates modulesthat are about three inches in height.

It is another object of the present invention to provide modules, suchas modular panels and modular tiles, and the like, for use inconstructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkways and vehiculardriveways, wherein the modules include detectable warning indicators.

It is another object of the present invention to provide modules, suchas modular panels and modular tiles, and the like, for use inconstructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkways and vehiculardriveways, wherein the modules include detectable warning tiles.

It is another object of the present invention to provide modules, suchas modular panels and modular tiles, and the like, for use inconstructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkways and vehiculardriveways, wherein the modules include textured top surface.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide modules, suchas modular panels and modular tiles, and the like, for use inconstructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkways and vehiculardriveways, wherein the modules are readily connectable one to the next.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide modules, suchas modular panels and modular tiles, and the like, for use inconstructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkways and vehiculardriveways, wherein the top surface is readily removable and replaceable.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide modules, suchas modular panels and modular tiles, and the like, for use inconstructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkways and vehiculardriveways, wherein the top surface is readily removable and replaceableand wherein a heater is removable and replaceable.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide modules, suchas modular panels and modular tiles, and the like, for use inconstructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkways and vehiculardriveways, wherein the modules are easy to install and cost effective toinstall.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide modules, suchas modular panels and modular tiles, and the like, for use inconstructing pathways, such as pedestrian walkways and vehiculardriveways, wherein the modules are water resistant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there isdisclosed a novel module for use in constructing a pathway for traffic.The module comprises a base member having a perimeter edge and a topsurface. A top plate is securable to the base member and having aplurality of horizontally spaced upwardly projecting button structures,including solid button structures and fastener-receiving buttonstructures. The solid button structures are each integrally formed withthe top plate. The fastener-receiving button structures each comprise anupwardly projecting peripheral portion and a depressed central portion.The fastener-receiving apertures are disposed one within each of thedepressed central portion and are each surrounded by the upwardlyprojecting peripheral portion. A cap member is securable within thedepressed central portion of each fastener-receiving button structure.To form a pathway for traffic, the modules are placed in perimeter-edgeto perimeter-edge relation. Each top plate is secured to the base memberby fasteners extending through the fastener-receiving apertures of thetop plate and securely engaged in the base member.

Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention,as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements ofthe structure, and the combination of parts and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description and the appended claims with reference tothe accompanying drawings, the latter of which is briefly describedherein below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the modulefor use in constructing a pathway for traffic according to the presentinvention, as to its structure, organization, use and method ofoperation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, willbe better understood from the following drawings in which a presentlyknown embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way ofexample. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are forthe purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intendedas a definition of the limits of the invention. In the accompanyingdrawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plurality of the illustratedembodiment modules installed in place to form a pathway for traffic,specifically a transit platform, according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the transitplatform of FIG. 1, taken along section line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the transit platform of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is an enlarged top plan view of a portion of the transitplatform of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the illustrated embodiment module usedin construction of the transit platform of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the illustrated embodiment module of FIG.4;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the illustrated embodiment module ofFIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a left side elevational view of the illustrated embodimentmodule of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a right side elevational view of the illustrated embodimentmodule of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view from above of the illustratedembodiment module of FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view from above of the tongue structure of theillustrated embodiment module of FIG. 4;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view from above and to the side ofone of the fastener-receiving button structures of the illustratedembodiment module of FIG. 4, with the threaded fastener, the grommet,and the cap member not in place;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view from above and to the side ofone of the fastener-receiving button structures of the illustratedembodiment module of FIG. 4, with the threaded fastener not in place butshowing the grommet and cap member above;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view from above and to the side ofone of the fastener-receiving button structures of the illustratedembodiment module of FIG. 4, with the threaded fastener not in place butshowing the grommet and cap member above; and,

FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view from above and to the side ofone of the fastener-receiving button structures of the illustratedembodiment module similar to FIG. 13, but with the threaded fastener inplace but not shown because it is covered by the cap member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 14 of the drawings, it will be noted thatFIGS. 1 through 14 show an illustrated embodiment of the module for usein constructing a pathway for traffic according to the presentinvention, and as indicated by the general reference numeral 100.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 1 through 14, which show anillustrated embodiment of the module according to the present invention,as indicated by the general reference numeral 110. The illustratedembodiment of the present invention comprises a module 110, and morespecifically a heatable module 110. The modules 110 are for use inconstructing a pathway for traffic 100, such as a pedestrian walkway,and particularly a transit platform 100, adjacent a railroad track 101,as illustrated.

It should be noted that the module 110 might be any one or more of apanel, a tile, a platform, a platform portion, a deck, a deck portion, aplate, a block, a board, a slat, flooring, a brick, a slab, and thelike.

As illustrated, the module 110 comprises, in brief, a base member 120, atop plate 140, button structures 160 comprising both solid buttonstructures 160 a and fastener-receiving button structures 160 b, capmembers 164, and an electrically powered heater member 170. Preferably,the top plate 140 is mounted in removable and replaceable relation onthe base member 120 in order to permit ready access to the electricallypowered heater member 170, but also to allow access to the space 149between the base member 120 and the top plate 140 in the event that theelectrically powered heater member 170 is not present, and for othermaintenance related reasons.

As can be best seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the present invention, the pathwayfor traffic 100, and more specifically the transit platform 100,comprises a first modular panel 110 a, a second modular panel 110 b, athird modular panel 110 c, a fourth modular panel 110 d, and a fifthmodular panel 110 e.

More specifically, the illustrated embodiment module 110 comprises amodular panel 110 that is rectangular in shape, and is typically greaterthan one meter in length and less than one meter in width, and perhapsabout 7.5 centimetres (3 inches) in height. It has been found that thissize and shape is suitable for the intended applications. It should beunderstood that the modular panel 110 can be of any suitable shape andsize.

As can be best seen in FIG. 3, the transit platform 100 comprises afirst header wall 102 and a second header wall 104 disposed in parallelspaced relation one to the other, and with aligned bore holes 102 a,104a in the first header wall 102 and the second header wall 104,respectively. An elongate threaded securing rod 107 extends through thefirst header wall 102, the modular panel 110, and the second header wall104, as will be discussed in greater detail subsequently. In general,the modular panels 110 are each installed in place to form the transitplatform 100. The modular panels 110 may be installed in connectedrelation one to the next, or may be installed apart from one another, toform separate but related sections or areas of an overall transitplatform. In the illustrated embodiment, the modular panels 110 areplaced in first-end to second-end relation and are placed in first-sideto second-side relation between the first header wall 102 and a secondheader wall 104 such that the first side walls 133 of the modular panels110 face the first header wall 102 and the second side walls 134 of themodular panels 110 face the second header wall 104.

Each modular panel comprises a top plate 140 over a base member 120. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the electrically powered heater member 170is disposed between the top plate 140 and the base member 120.

As illustrated, the module 110, and more specifically the modular panel110, comprises a base member 120 for engaging the ground 103, whichprovides a compacted base, on which the modular panels 110 rest, a topplate 140 that is positioned generally over the base member 120, and anoptional electrically powerable heater member 170 disposed between thetop plate 140 and the base member 120, the threaded securing rod 107,the lateral groove 108 and a tongue structure 180, as will be discussedin greater detail subsequently.

As illustrated, more specifically, the base member 120 has a first end121, a second end 122, a first side 123, a second side 124, a perimeteredge 125, a top deck 126, and a top surface 126 s. The top deck 126extends between the first end 121, the second end 122, the first side123 and the second side 124, and preferably is generally continuousacross the top of the base member 120. The top deck 126 of the basemember 120 has a first recessed pocket 127 and a second recessed pocket128 for accommodating electrical connectors and electrical wirestherein. The first recessed pocket 127 has a wire-receiving aperture 127a therein and the second recessed pocket 128 has a wire-receivingaperture 128 a therein for receiving electrical wires therethrough.

The base member 120 also has a first end wall 131 depending from the topdeck 126 at the first end 121 thereof, a second end wall 132 dependingfrom the top deck 126 at the second end 122 thereof, a first side wall133 depending from the top deck 126 at the first side 123 thereof, and asecond side wall 134 depending from the top deck 126 at the second side124 thereof. The first end wall 131, the second end wall 132, the firstside wall 133 and the second side wall 134 each terminate in a bottomedge that together form the bottom peripheral edge 135 of the basemember 120. Preferably, and in the illustrated embodiment, the portionof the bottom peripheral edge 135 of the base member 120 defined by thesecond side wall 134, most of the first end wall 131 and most of thesecond end wall 132 is substantially planar in order to properly engagea receiving surface, such as a compacted gravel surface, or the like.The first end wall 131, the second end wall 132, the first side wall 133and the second side wall 134 are each interconnected one to the next tohelp form a solid stable structure.

The base member 120 further comprises a plurality of internal crosssupport members 136 depending from the top plate 140. The internal crosssupport members 136 depend from the top deck 126 and extend to thebottom edge 135 of the base member 120, and comprise a plurality oflateral ribs 136 a and a plurality of longitudinal ribs 136 b. As canreadily be seen in the Figures, the lateral ribs 136 a each extendbetween the first side wall 133 and the second side wall 134 and arespaced generally evenly apart one from the next along the length “LB” ofthe base member 120, between the first end wall 131 and the second endwall 132 of the base member 120. Similarly, the longitudinal ribs 136 beach extend between the first end wall 131 and the second end wall 132and are spaced generally evenly apart one from the next along the width“WB” of the base member 120, between the first side wall 133 and thesecond side wall 134 of the base member 120.

The base member 120 also has a longitudinal raceway 137 in the bottomthereof, along the first side of the base member 120, for receivingelectrical wires therein. In order to form the raceway 137, the bottomedge 135 a of the first side wall 133 is slightly higher up than thebottom edge 135 of the second end wall 132 and the bottom edge 135 ofthe first end wall 131 and the bottom edge 135 of the of the second sidewall 134. The longitudinal raceway 137 preferably extends from the firstend wall 131 to the second end wall 132. In this manner, electricalwires can run from one modular panel 110 to the next, as will bedescribed in greater detail subsequently.

The base member 120, and more specifically the first end wall 131 of thebase member 120, defines the lateral groove 108 disposed at theperimeter edge 125, and that, in the illustrated embodiment, but notnecessarily, extends the entire width “WB” of the base member 120. Thegroove 108 is defined by a top surface 108 t, a recessed surface 108 rand a bottom surface 108 b. The top surface 108 t and the recessedsurface 108 r are connected together by a top concave curved surface 109t. Similarly, the bottom surface 108 b and the recessed surface 108 rare connected together by a bottom concave curved surface 109 b. Theratio of the height of the lateral groove 108 to the height of the basemember 120 is between about 0.5:1 and 0.6:1.

The base member 120, and more specifically the second end wall 132 ofthe base member 120, defines the tongue structure 180 disposed at theperimeter edge 125. The tongue structure 180 is shaped and dimensionedto be received in the lateral groove 108. More specifically, the tonguestructure 180 of a first module is shaped and dimensioned to be receivedin the lateral groove 108 of a second module. To form the transitplatform 100, the modular panels 110 are placed in perimeter-edge toperimeter-edge relation one to the next, and more specifically infirst-end to second-end relation, and are secured together one to thenext, with the tongue structure 180 of each modular panel 110 insertedinto the lateral groove 108 of an adjacent modular panel 110.

The tongue structure 180 defines a throughpassage 189 for receiving athreaded securing rod 107 therethrough. The throughpassage 189 in thetongue structure 180 is closer to the bottom peripheral edge 135 of thebase member 120 than to the top deck 126 of the base member 120 so thatthere is sufficient structural strength of material above any boreholes, such as bore holes 102 a, 104 a, so as to preclude failure ofthat portion of the first or second header walls 102, 104.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tongue structure 180 comprises aplurality of tongue portions 181,182 that each project outwardly fromthe second end wall 132 of the base member 120. The tongue portions181,182 comprise, as aforesaid, a first type of tongue portion 181 and asecond type of tongue portion 182. The first type of tongue portion 181and a second type of tongue portion 182 are disposed in alternatingrelation generally along the length of the tongue structure 180, withhorizontal gaps 183 therebetween. Generally along the length of thetongue structure 180, the first type of tongue portions are shaped in afirst radius at the top outer surface thereof.

The first type of tongue portion 181 has a root portion 184 extendingoutwardly from the second end wall 132 and is disposed above thethroughpassage 189, and a finger portion 185 a extending downwardly fromthe root portion 184. The root portion 184 comprises a plurality of fins186 separated one from the next by a notch 187. The plurality of fins186 comprises four fins 186 on at least most of the first type of tongueportions 181. The fins 186 are generally vertically disposed, aregenerally parallel one to another, and are substantially the samethickness one as the others. Further, the fins 186 are substantially thesame shape one as the others, and have a rounded top outer corner 186 rthat is the same radius as the top concave curved surface 109 t of thegroove 108. Accordingly, when two adjacent modular panels 110 that areconnected together one to the next in first-end to second-end relation,the rounded top outer corner 186 r of the fins 186 and the top concavecurved surface 109 t of the groove 108 permit ready angular movementbetween the two connected modular panels 110, and also permit verticalforces to be transmitted readily between the two connected modularpanels 110.

The top plate 140 has a first end 141, a second end 142, a first side143 and a second side 144, a top surface 145 and a bottom surface 146.The top surface 145 of the top plate 140 is preferably a detectablewarning surface. More specifically, the top plate 140 comprises aplurality of horizontally spaced button structures 160 projectingupwardly therefrom that together form the detectable warning surface.The button structures 160 include both solid button structures 160 aintegrally formed with the top plate 140 and fastener-receiving buttonstructures 160 b, as will be discussed in greater detail subsequently.Typically in use, these horizontally spaced button structures 160 arehighly visible to sighted persons, and even more importantly, areengageable by walking canes, and the like of visually impaired persons,in order to provide a warning of the edge of a pedestrian walkway suchas the transit platform 100. The button structures 160 will be discussedin greater detail subsequently.

The top plate 140 is in removable and replaceable relation to the basemember 120, specifically to the top deck 126 of the base member 120,once in place, by means of a plurality of threaded fasteners 159. Eachfastener 159 extends through a fastener-receiving aperture 161 in afastener-receiving button structure 160 b and engages in securingrelation the top deck 126 of the base member 120. As can be readilyunderstood, the top plate 140 can be easily and quickly removed andreplaced, desired.

For any threaded fasters 159 that extend through the heater member 170,and aperture (not specifically shown) is punched in the heater member170 in order to accommodate threaded fastener 159. Insulating tape (notspecifically shown) is used to ensure a waterproof connection.

As discussed previously, and now with reference to FIGS. 10 through 14,the top plate 140 comprises a plurality of horizontally spaced buttonstructures 160 projecting upwardly therefrom. The button structures 160comprise both solid button structures 160 a integrally formed with thetop plate 140 and fastener-receiving button structures 160 b. Thefastener-receiving button structures 160 b comprise an upwardlyprojecting peripheral portion 162 and a depressed central portion 163that are both integrally formed with the top plate 140. Thefastener-receiving aperture 161 is disposed within the depressed centralportion 163 and is surrounded by the depressed central portion 163. Agrommet 159 a receives the threaded fastener 159 through afastener-receiving aperture 159 b and seats into the depressed centralportion 163.

The fastener-receiving button structure 160 b further comprises a capmember 164 securable in removable and replaceable relation within thedepressed central portion 163 of the fastener-receiving buttonstructures 160 b. The cap member 164 has at least one key 164 a, andpreferably a plurality of keys 164 a. Correspondingly, the each of thefastener-receiving button structures 160 b has at least one keyway 164 btherein, and preferably the same number of keyways 164 b as keys 164 a.The keyways are preferably, but not necessarily, in the top plate 140between the depressed central portion 163 and the upwardly projectingperipheral portion 162. The keys 164 a are received in cooperatingkeyways 164 b in the top plate 140. The keys 164 a and the keyways 164 btogether rotationally align the cap member 164 such that thetraction-providing protrusions on its top surface align with thetraction-providing protrusions on the top surface 145 of the top plate140.

As can be readily seen in the Figures, the solid button structures 160 ahave a textured top surface 160 t, and the cap members 164 of thefastener-receiving button structures 160 b have a textured top surface165. The texture top surfaces 160 t and 165 provide for excellenttraction for pedestrians walking on the top plates 140.

As also can readily be seen in the Figures, that the top plate 140 issecurable in overlying relation to the top surface 126 s of the basemember 120, or in other words to the top deck 126 of the base member120, with a heater-receiving space 149 therebetween. The modular panel110 also has the optional electrically powered heater member 170disposed within the heater-receiving space 149 between the base member120 and the top plate 140. In the illustrated embodiment, theelectrically powered heater member 170 comprises a thin sheet typeelectrically powered heater member 170. As illustrated, the electricallypowered heater member 170 is disposed against the bottom surface 146 ofthe top plate 140, so is the maximize the heat transfer thereto.Further, the electrically powered heater member 170 is secured to thebottom surface 146 of the top plate 140, and preferably is secured tothe bottom surface 146 of the top plate 140 by a suitable adhesive 171.

The top plate 140 preferably comprises any suitable polymer plasticmaterial or Fibre-glass™ type material, and preferably includes a heatconductive polymer material 147 and a heat retentive polymer material148. The heat conductive polymer material 147 allows for quickconduction of heat from the heater member 170 through the top plate 140and to the top surface of the top plate 140, in order to permit quickmelting of snow and ice. The heat retentive polymer material 148 servesto retain heat within the heater member 170 once the electrical power tothe heater member 170 has been turned off, thereby allowing for a longercycle time until electrical power needs to be applied again to retainsufficient heat to melt snow and ice. It is also possible to includesmall stones, or the like, in the polymer material in order to precludewearing of the top plate 140. It should be noted that small stones, orthe like, cannot be included if the top plate 140 is formed via acompression molding method where the resin is pumped into the mold. Itshould also be noted that typically, fillers such as the heat conductivepolymer material 147 and the heat retentive polymer material 148 degradethe UV resistance of the resin used to form the top plate 140.Accordingly, a UV resistant coating can be sprayed on top of the topplate 140.

Further, a suitable type of insulation (not specifically shown), such aspre-molded insulation or foamed insulation, can be used to fill the openspaces of the base member 120, between the various internal crosssupport members 136. As can be readily understood, the insulationprecludes heat from the heater member 170 from escaping downwardlythrough the base member 120, thereby allowing for more efficient heatingof the top plate 140. The insulation can be either a low density type offoam or a high density type of foam such as a structural foam to provideadditional structural support. Further, a ceramic layer (notspecifically shown), can be placed between the top plate 140 and thebase member 120.

In order to form the transit platform 100, the base members 120 of themodular panels 110 are placed in perimeter-edge to perimeter-edgerelation one to the next, and more specifically in first-end tosecond-end relation, and are secured together one to the next. Theheater members 170 are then placed over the top decks 126 of the basemembers 120, and the top plates 140 are placed over the heater members170 and onto the top decks 126 of the base members 120. The top plates140 and the heater members 170 are secured in place via the threadedfasteners 159 extending through said fastener-receiving apertures 161 ofthe top plates and securely engaged in the base members 120.

More specifically, the base member 120 of a first modular panel 110 isset in place on a receiving surface, such as a compacted gravel surface,or the like. The base member 120 of a second modular panel 110 is placedin first-end to second-end relation with base member 120 of the firstmodular panel 110 by inserting the tongue structure 180 of the basemember 120 of the second modular panel 110 into the groove 108 of thebase member 120 of the first modular panel 110. The base member 120 of athird modular panel 110 is placed in first-end to second-end relationwith the base member 120 of the second modular panel 110 by insertingthe tongue structure 180 of the base member 120 of the third modularpanel 110 into the groove 108 of the base member 120 of the secondmodular panel 110. This process is completed until a lengthwise row ofthe necessary number of base members 120 are in place.

Alternatively, the base members 120 of the modular panels 110 could bejoined together the opposite other way around by setting the base member120 of a first modular panel 110 in place on a receiving surface, andintroducing the base member 120 of the second modular panel 110 over thetongue structure 180 of the base member 120 of the first modular panel110 such that the tongue structure 180 of the base member 120 of thefirst modular panel 110 is received in the groove 108 of the base member120 of the second modular panel 110.

Similarly, base members 120 are placed in perimeter-edge toperimeter-edge relation one to the next, and more specifically infirst-end to second-end relation immediately beside the lengthwise rowof base members 120 in order to form a second lengthwise row of modularpanels 110. The tongues of laterally adjacent base members 120 arelongitudinally aligned to for a single throughpassage 189 for receivingan elongate threaded securing rod therethrough. The above-describedprocess is repeated until all of the necessary base members 120 are inplace. For the present transit platform 100, the lengthwise rows ofmodular panels 110 are closely fit between two parallel timber headers102, 104 that form the first header wall 102 and the second header wall104 of the transit platform 100. The first header wall 102 and a secondheader wall 104 are disposed in parallel spaced relation one to theother, and with aligned bore holes 102 a, 104 a in the first header wall102 and the second header wall 104. It should be noted that the firstheader wall 102 and the second header wall 104 can be made of any othersuitable material, or materials, such as concrete.

The threaded securing rod 107 is inserted in place in the transitplatform 100 as follows. A first metal plate 105 having an aperture 105a is placed against the outer face of the first header wall 102 with theaperture 105 a aligned with the aperture 102 a in the first header wall102. Similarly, a second metal plate 106 having an aperture 106 a isplaced against the outer face of the second header wall 104 with theaperture 106 a aligned with the aperture 104 a in the second header wall104. The threaded securing rod 107 is inserted through the aperture 105a in the first metal plate 105, through the bore hole 102 a in the firsttimber header 102, is then inserted through the throughpassage 189defined by the aligned tongue structures 180, and through the bore hole104 a in the second timber header 104, and through the aperture 106 a inthe second metal plate 106. Co-operating threaded nuts 102 b, 104 b arethen put in place onto the threaded securing rod 107 at each end thereofto engage against the first metal plate 105 and the second metal plate106. The co-operating threaded nuts 102 b, 104 b are then appropriatelytightened. Alternatively, the first metal plate 105 and the second metalplate 106 could each be an “L”-bracket of similar that secures to theground 103 on which the modular panels 110 rest.

For two interconnected modular panels 110, the threaded securing rod 107substantially precludes the tongue structure 180 of one modular panel110 and the lateral groove 108 of the other modular panel 110 fromshifting vertically with respect to each other. The threaded securingrod 107 substantially precludes the two interconnected modular panels110 from shifting with respect to the first header wall 102 and a secondheader wall 104.

For the entire transit platform 100, there is a plurality of threadedsecuring rods 107, with each threaded securing rod inserted through analigned pair of said bore holes 102 a, 104 a in the first header wall102 and a second header wall 104, respectively, though the aperture 105a,106 a in the first metal plate 105 and the second metal plate 106,respectively, and through the aligned throughpassage 189 of the modularpanel 110. In the event that there are side-by-side ones of the modularpanels 110, the overall structure is secured in fundamentally the samemanner, except that the threaded securing rods 107 extend through thealigned throughpassages 189 of side-by-side modular panels 110.

In general, the modular panels 110 are placed in first-end to second-endrelation and are placed in first-side to second-side relation betweenthe first header wall 102 and a second header wall 104 such that thefirst side walls 133 of the modular panels 110 face the first headerwall 102 and the second side walls 134 of the modular panels 110 facethe second header wall 104.

During the placement of the modular panels 110, the electrical wiresthat will provide power to the heater members 170 are placed so as to bereceived by the longitudinal raceway 137 in each base member 120. Theelectrical wires can run from one modular panel 110 to the next as thebase members 120 are put in place. The electrical connectors andelectrical wires are accommodated in the first recessed pocket 127 andthe second recessed pocket 128 in the top deck 126 of the base member120, where the connectors of each are located.

It should be noted that having rows of the modular panels 110, or evenunmodular panels, all the way across and no asphalt, is better forconstructability purposes because the transit platform 100 can beconstructed during poor weather conditions, thereby minimizingconstruction delays, and also constructed much more quickly on anoverall basis, and at a lower cost that if asphalt areas are included.

In the manufacture of the present invention, it is possible to use atleast two methods of compression molding to form the base member 120 andthe top plate 140. The first method is referred to as sheet moldedcompound (SMC) wherein a resin is pumped into a mold. Any “parts” insidemust be stationary and in the proper place. The second method isreferred to as wet compression molding. It should be noted that withwhat compression molding, small stones or the like can be included inthe resident in order to make the top plate 140 more resistant to wear.It should also be noted that with either of these two methods ofmanufacture as discussed above, it is believed that the manufacturingcycle time for making a top plate 140 or a base member 120 can be abouttwo to three minutes in length, or even less, which is a significantimprovement over the prior art.

As can be readily understood from the above description and from theaccompanying drawings, the present invention provides modules, such asmodular panels and modular tiles, and the like, for use in constructinga pathway for traffic, such as a transit platform or the like, whereinthe modular panels readily fit properly in place adjacent a wood headerof an adjoining platform subgrade that accommodates modular panels thatare about three inches in height, which provide modular panels includedetectable warning indicators, which provide modular panels includedetectable warning tiles, which provide modular panels include texturedtop surface, wherein the modular panels are readily connectable one tothe next, wherein the top surface is readily removable and replaceable,wherein the top surface is readily removable and replaceable and whereina heater is removable and replaceable, wherein the modular panels areeasy to install and cost effective to install, and wherein the modularpanels are water resistant, all of which features are unknown in theprior art.

Other variations of the above principles will be apparent to those whoare knowledgeable in the field of the invention, and such variations areconsidered to be within the scope of the present invention. Further,other modifications and alterations may be used in the design andmanufacture of the modular panel, of the present invention, withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus,while the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof isshown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that there is no intention to limit theinvention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary,the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions,and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, asdefined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising”, “having”, “including”, and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, butnot limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to beconstrued as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joinedtogether, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of rangesof values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method ofreferring individually to each separate value falling within the range,unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value isincorporated into the specification as if it were individually recitedherein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitableorder unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplarylanguage (e.g., “such as”, “for example”) provided herein, is intendedmerely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does notpose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwiseclaimed. No language in the specification should be construed asindicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of theinvention.

Illustrated embodiments of this invention are described herein.Variations of those illustrated embodiments may become apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Theinventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations asappropriate, and the inventor intends for the invention to be practicedotherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, thisinvention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subjectmatter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicablelaw. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in allpossible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

1. A module for use in constructing a pathway for traffic, said modulecomprising: a base member having a perimeter edge and a top surface; atop plate securable to said base member and having a plurality ofhorizontally spaced upwardly projecting button structures, includingsolid button structures and fastener-receiving button structures;wherein said solid button structures are each integrally formed withsaid top plate; wherein said fastener-receiving button structures eachcomprise an upwardly projecting peripheral portion and a depressedcentral portion, and wherein said fastener-receiving apertures aredisposed one within each of said depressed central portion and are eachsurrounded by said upwardly projecting peripheral portion; and, a capmember securable in removable and replaceable relation within saiddepressed central portion of each said fastener-receiving buttonstructure; and, wherein, to form a pathway for traffic, said modules areplaced in perimeter-edge to perimeter-edge relation, and each said topplate is secured to said base member by fasteners extending through saidfastener-receiving apertures of said top plate and securely engaged insaid base member.
 2. The module of claim 1, wherein said solid buttonstructures have a textured top surface, and said cap members have atextured top surface.
 3. The module of claim 2, wherein each of saidfastener-receiving button structures has at least one keyway therein andsaid cap members have co-operating keys for engagement in said keyways,to thereby rotationally align said cap members in saidfastener-receiving button structures.
 4. The module of claim 1, whereinsaid base member has a first end, a second end, a first side and asecond side.
 5. The module of claim 1, wherein said base member has atop deck.
 6. The module of claim 1, wherein said top plate has a firstend, a second end, a first side and a second side.
 7. The module ofclaim 1, wherein to form a pathway for traffic, said modular panels areplaced in perimeter-edge to perimeter-edge relation, as aforesaid, andare secured together.
 8. The module of claim 1, wherein said fastenerscomprise threaded fasteners that extend through said fastener-receivingapertures of said top plate and securely threadibly engage in said basemember.
 9. The module of claim 1, wherein each said cap member issecurable in removable and replaceable relation within said depressedcentral portion of each fastener-receiving button structure.
 10. Themodule of claim 1, further comprising a heater-receiving space betweensaid base member and said top plate.
 11. The module of claim 10, furthercomprising an electrically powered heater member disposed within theheater-receiving space between the base member and the top plate.